The Most Fashionable Athletes
Every day is a chance to make a statement.
Photo: Instagram/lewishamilton
More athletes are claiming their stake in the fashion industry by starting clothing lines and walking the catwalk. They may be uniform when honing their craft on the court, field or track, but their style is anything but conforming for these athletes.
Transcript
Kyle Kuzma
From walking the runway in New York Fashion Week in 2022 wearing a black basketball jersey over a black hoodie and a skirt made of puffy coats, Kyle Kuzma has established himself as a fashion icon in the NBA (National Basketball Association). His arrival style at the arena ranges from a trench coat and bucket hat to a hilariously oversized pink sweater (which was immortalized as a bobblehead). The NBA champion's girlfriend, model Winnie Harlow, may have helped him on the catwalk, but the Childhood Dreams clothing brand founder's fashion is one-of-a-kind and influenced by no one (or everyone). WERK IT
A’ja Wilson
The Las Vegas Aces forward A'ja Wilson (WNBA - Women’s National Basketball Association) claimed the championship crown last season, but she's always been the queen of fashion. From her arrival in vintage WNBA jerseys and "We are BG" shirt or her admission to wearing spandex underneath her red carpet looks, Wilson always has us swooning over her fashion. PERFECTION
Lewis Hamilton
F1 (Formula One) driver Lewis Hamilton's clothing line +44 is the number on his race car and his lucky number. (It is also the country code for calling his homeland, the UK). Sir Hamilton (he was knighted by William, the Prince of Wales, in 2021) has been seen in the front row of the Valentino show at Paris Fashion Week, seated next to Zendaya. He was selected as one of the world's most stylish people as part of 2022 The New York Times, "93 most stylish people." SO CHIC
Joe Burrow
Not many athletes joined Lewis Hamilton on The New York Times' list of "93 most stylish people" in 2022. But one who did, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow. His fashion flair ranges from SpongeBob clothing items to Cartier glasses to oversized diamond pendants. The Times even gave him the nickname, "Joey Flowers," for his floral-print suit. Flowers, or Burrow, doesn't even try hard, saying, "he throws on whatever he thinks looks good." EFFORTLESS
DK Metcalf
A candy addict (Skittles and Jolly Ranchers) turned health nut, DK Metcalf of the Seattle Seahawks (NFL) doesn't exactly throw on whatever works when he heads to the stadium. He plans his outfits in advance. It clearly works, as Metcalf is a frequent visitor to the NFL's weekly list of most fashionable player arrivals. He told GQ one of the ten items he can't live without is his Louis Vuitton murse. STRUTTING SEAHAWK
Honorable Mention
Honorable mention to the NWSL's (National Women’s Soccer League) highest-paid player, Trinity Rodman, Megan Rapinoe of the NWSL/US Women's National Team and the Los Angeles Clippers Russell Westbrook, founder of clothing line Honor The Gift.
Sports Curious, presented by Last Night's Game, is here to take the awkwardness out of the conversation and help you join the sports conversation, even if you don't know the first thing about sports. We break down what's happening in sports in an easy-to-understand, fun way without all of the statistics and jargon, so you never have to exit stage left when the chatter at the office, dinner table or networking event switches to sports.
You can always catch us between podcasts at www.lastnightsgame.com or on social media. If you love us, leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. And if you have feedback or questions, you can email Amy at amy@lastnightsgame.com.
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Dreaming Of A Polite Christmas? We've Got You.
How to keep your holiday merry and bright.
(Podcast length - 4:26 mins)
We all have this idyllic vision of our family holiday with chestnuts roasting on an open fire while drinking eggnog and laughing in our Christmas sweaters. Now let’s be honest; that only happens in the movies. When things take an awkward turn, here are a few ways to redirect the conversation to safer ground.
WHEN anyone starts talking POLITICS, all you want to do is run.
Hold your horses; there's a way to deflect into safer conversational waters. You could make a joke about politics being controversial and then dive into something non-confrontational – random acts of kindness. NBA Hall of Famer and broadcaster Shaquille O'Neal is known for his random acts of kindness. From buying an engagement ring for a fellow customer at a jewelry store to purchasing shoes for a 13-year-old boy with size 18 feet to a new car and food for a family in need, may Shaq's generosity inspire us all this holiday season to do more good.
The holidays are a time of year to give, and no one gives more than these five athletes who give back to their community in a big way.
AT YOUR OFFICE POTLUCK, YOU'RE STUCK IN A CONVERSATION WITH THE MOST BORING PERSON IN THE OFFICE WITH NO RESCUE IN SIGHT
They must be passionate about something – pets, travel, stamp collection, or not having to work on Christmas. Christmas Day is usually a coveted day for NBA teams to take the court, but this year, they're being overshadowed by the NFL. The empire that is the NFL has a tripleheader planned for Christmas Day. If you're staying up late waiting for Santa, you can catch a game on Christmas Eve. EGGNOG AND ENDZONES
YOU WERE THE LIFE OF THE PARTY, BUT NOW THERE'S NOT ENOUGH ADVIL IN THE WORLD TO STOP YOUR HANGOVER.
You can thank athletes like Danica Patrick for that infamous "one last glass." The retired racecar driver has gone from breaking the glass ceiling in racing to wine. One might say her career drove her to drink, but she's accomplishing a dream in retirement. No, really. Her Napa Valley vineyard Somnium means "dream" in Latin.
From wine to tequila, here are more athletes you can thank for your next hangover.
WHEN YOU PUT ON YOUR BIG FAKE SMILE BECAUSE YOU RECEIVED YET ANOTHER PAIR OF UNDERWEAR
Be a good sport because it could be worse. It's bowl game season, and the winning coach of the Duke Mayo Bowl will get mayonnaise dumped on his head instead of the traditional Gatorade. After a flub last year that resulted in a near concussion, the bowl game has hired official "Mayo Dumpers."
If you need New Year's plans, the top four teams in the country (in ranking order – Georgia, Michigan, TCU and Ohio State) will take the field on New Year's Eve in the College Football Playoffs. The two winners will play for the national championship on January 9.
For more on what you need to know for bowl game season, check out our "Five Things You Need To Know About Bowl Game Season."
No matter how hard you try, your sibling always upstages your gift with your nieces and nephews.
Do you know who is good at epic gifts? Athletes. Like Trevor Siemian. The Chicago Bears QB, Siemian loved Skittles, so he purchased custom parkas for his linemen that dispense Skittles. Yes, the fur-trim hooded parkas have a button on the chest that, when pushed, Skittles arrive in a coat pocket.
Need last-minute gift ideas? These athletes deserve a championship trophy for the well-thought-out gifts to their teammates and loved ones. READ
Sports Curious, presented by Last Night's Game, is here to take the awkwardness out of the conversation and help you join the sports conversation, even if you don't know the first thing about sports. We break down what's happening in sports in an easy-to-understand, fun way without all of the statistics and jargon, so you never have to exit stage left when the chatter at the office, dinner table or networking event switches to sports.
You can always catch us between podcasts at www.lastnightsgame.com or on social media. If you love us, leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. And if you have feedback or questions, you can email Amy at amy@lastnightsgame.com.
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Athletes Who Give Back To Their Community In A Big Way
Who doesn’t love good news?
(Podcast length - 5:20 mins)
If volunteering reduces depression and early mortality rates, these athletes will be the happiest centenarians.
Transcript
1. John Cena's heart is bigger than his biceps. The WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) wrestler's mantra is "Never Give Up," and that's what he's told the countless Make-A-Wish kids he's met with. There are many moments to make you smile, like when he had a tea party with one Make-A-Wish visitor decked out in his full wrestling regalia. Cena set a new Guinness World Record for granting the most wishes through Make-A-Wish at 650. No one, except for Cena, has ever granted more than 200 wishes in the foundation's history. TINY UNIFORM, BIG HEART
2. NBA Hall of Famer and broadcaster Shaquille O'Neal is known for his random acts of kindness. From buying an engagement ring for a fellow customer at a jewelry store to purchasing shoes for a 13-year-old boy with size 18 feet to a new car and food for a family in need, may Shaq's generosity inspire us all this holiday season to do more good. PAY IT FORWARD
3. International soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo is known for his cover model looks, supreme soccer skills and the big payday those bring in. While he's not afraid to write a significant check, he's also been known to roll up his sleeves, literally, as a frequent blood donor. The father of five has made a considerable impact on his young fans all over the world. In one instance, he invited a Syrian orphan who lost his parents in the war to a game and spent time with him. He has also paid for numerous children's lifesaving medical treatments. His signature move is auctioning off coveted trophies he's been awarded, with the proceeds going to charity. INTERNATIONAL MAN OF GOOD
4. From donating $43,000 prize money to relief funds for raging Australian bushfires after her Australia Open win to serving as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, Serena Williams is the GOAT in giving back. Through UNICEF, Williams has been an outspoken advocate for education worldwide, but she never forgot where she came from. She and her sister Venus have been invested in causes like the Yetunde Price Resource Center, which offers healing-centered and trauma-informed programs to the residents of their hometown of Compton, CA.
5. Love him or hate him, LeBron James (NBA -National Basketball Association) has left the community better than he found it. While he has worked countless hours with organizations that support children, like Boys & Girls Clubs of America, his big project is the I Promise School in Akron, OH. The school serves over 450 at-risk third through sixth graders. In its first year, the year-round school saw growth among 90% of students who started the school year at least one year behind. The school engages the entire family with an on-campus Family Resource Center and regular events requiring parent participation to create a supportive environment both in the classroom and at home. CHANGING THE FUTURE
Sports Curious presented by Last Night's Game, is here to take the awkward out of the conversation and help you join the sports conversation, even if you don't know the first thing about sports. We break down what's happening in sports in an easy-to-understand, fun way without all of the statistics and jargon so you never have to exit stage left when the chatter at the office, dinner table or a networking event switches to sports.
You can always catch us between podcasts at www.lastnightsgame.com or on social media. If you love us, make sure to leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. And if you have feedback or questions, you can email Amy at amy@lastnightsgame.com.
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5 Things To Know About The NBA Season
The season tips off on October 18.
Photo: Unsplash
(Podcast length 4:30 mins)
Here’s what you need to know to be in the know.
1. The San Antonio Spurs are a team to watch if for no reason other than they like to hire female coaches. The head coach of the WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association) Champion Las Vegas Aces, Becky Hammond, came from the Spurs where she was an assistant coach. Following in her footsteps with the team is former WNBA player Candace Dupree who is part of the player development team and an assistant coach. Dupree is one of the few female coaches but not the only former WNBA player turned coach you’ll see on the bench this season. LOVE TO SEE IT
2. In 2017 the league began to allow sponsorship patches on team jerseys, and since then, those sponsorships have generated $150 million in revenue per year. The Phoenix Suns patch sponsor, PayPal, may have put their money where their mouth is after claiming they would not renew their sponsorship if controversial team owner Robert Sarver stayed at the helm. The team is currently for sale by Sarver. BIG MONEY
3. Christmas Day is usually the biggest day of the year for NBA games, but the league is rallying around Election Day this year. New this season, all 30 teams will play on Monday, November 7, the day before Election Day. The league will use that day to promote voter participation. Then there will be no NBA games on Election Day on Tuesday, November 8, encouraging everyone to vote instead. GET OUT AND VOTE
4. LeBron James is THIS close to breaking Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s scoring record. If he stays healthy, LeBron will likely pass his record this season, possibly in January. There’s no sign of LeBron, 38, slowing down. He’s hoping to play into his 40s to play in the NBA with both of his sons. FAMILY AFFAIR
5. The Brooklyn Nets are combustible, and Russell Westbrook is untradeable. Who knows what the season will bring for the Brooklyn Nets after adding Ben Simmons to their roster that already features superstars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving? Irving says he lost $100M by not getting the vaccine last year. Then there’s Russell Westbrook, who the Lakers have tried to trade to regain the positive chemistry on the team. Westbrook is the second-highest player in the league after Stephen Curry at $47M, and no team wants to take that on. OFFICE POLITICS
The 82-game season begins on Tuesday, October 18.
Sports Curious, presented by Last Night's Game, is here to take the awkward out of the conversation and help you join the sports conversation, even if you don't know the first thing about sports. We break down what's happening in sports in an easy-to-understand, fun way without all of the statistics and jargon, so you never have to exit stage left when the chatter at the office, dinner table or networking event switches to sports.
You can always catch us between podcasts at www.lastnightsgame.com or on social media. If you love us, make sure to leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts.
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Celebrities You'd Never Guess Own Sports Teams
Forget the red carpet, on the field (or court) is the place to be.
Photo: Instagram/jlo
(Podcast length 4:47 mins)
Being an owner of a sports team - this could be the longest relationship some of these celebs have ever had.
Transcript
1. The Miami Dolphins are a tough NFL (National Football League) franchise to be a fan of, as they've had some rough seasons over the past few years, but that hasn't scared away big names from buying into the ownership group. Fergie, Gloria Estefan, Jimmy Buffet, Marc Anthony, Jennifer Lopez, Venus and Serena Williams. Lopez lost the team ownership in her divorce from Anthony. Venus and Serena became part-owners of the Miami Dolphins, thus making them the first African American females to own part of an NFL team. SO THERE'S THAT
2. Buying a NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) team has been all the rage lately, with Michael Jordan, Pitbull and boxer Floyd Mayweather joining the ranks of team owners. But the OG was David Letterman, who bought into what is now Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing in 1996. The team competes in the IndyCar and SportsCar Championship Series and previously won the Indianapolis 500 in 2004 and 2020. START YOUR ENGINES
3. Forget the red carpet; the soccer sidelines are where it's at. Will Ferrell played an athlete in "Blades of Glory" and "Talladega Nights," but in real life, the Los Angeles native is a part-owner of LAFC – Los Angeles Football Club (MLS – Major League Soccer). Ferrell bought into the team in 2016, two years before its MLS debut. Other celebs who also have a stake in a professional soccer team include Angel City FC (NWSL – National Women's Soccer League) owners Natalie Portman, Jessica Chastain, Uzo Aduba, Eva Longoria, Gabrielle Union, Jennifer Garner, Christina Aguilera, tennis legends Billie Jean King and Serena Williams, to name a few. Also an NWSL team, the Washington Spirit, boasts Jenna Bush Hager, Chelsea Clinton and Dominique Dawes as investors. KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE BALL
4. Usher had no ties to Cleveland, Ohio, until he bought into the Cleveland Cavaliers (National Basketball Association). He bought in shortly after the team drafted a young LeBron James, who took the team to five NBA Finals and one championship in 2016. According to Forbes, Usher paid $9M for his share of an ownership group that spent $375M to become minority owners. CLEVELAND ROCKS
5. Will Smith, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Justin Timberlake and Destiny Child's Michelle Williams also own a piece of a basketball team. Williams is a minority owner of her hometown team, the Chicago Sky (Women's National Basketball Association). Besides Usher, she is also the only professional basketball team owner in this piece who can boast a championship ring. Memphis native Timberlake is a 2.8% owner of the Memphis Grizzlies (NBA). Will and Jada round out our list as minority owners of the Philadelphia 76ers. The two are part of an ownership group that, as a whole, paid $280 million for the franchise. IN WEST PHILADELPHIA BORN AND RAISED
Honorable mention goes to the inspiration for this post, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, who purchased soccer team Wrexham FC in 2020. A new documentary, "Welcome To Wrexham," on FX starting August 24, 2022, highlights the actors' purchase of the third oldest professional soccer club in the world.
Sports Curious, presented by Last Night's Game, is here to take the awkward out of the conversation and help you join the sports conversation, even if you don't know the first thing about sports. We break down what's happening in sports in an easy-to-understand, fun way without all of the statistics and jargon, so you never have to exit stage left when the chatter at the office, dinner table or networking event switches to sports.
You can always catch us between podcasts at www.lastnightsgame.com or on social media. If you love us, make sure to leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts.
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The Messiest Divorces In Sports
Don’t forget to fasten your prenup.
Photo: Instagram/marilynmonroe
(Podcast length 5:25 mins)
We've been binging "Loot" starring Maya Rudolph (Apple TV+). The story shares similarities with the Jeff Bezos divorce and many other celebrity divorces. That got us thinking, what were the messiest divorces in the world of sports? Well, here we go.
Transcript
Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren
The marriage between Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren was riddled with numerous affairs with a side of prescription drugs. But it all culminated in 2009 when Tiger Woods crashed his SUV. You might remember Nordegren used a golf club to smash the back window to get Woods out of the car. Nordegren's divorce filing came shortly after that. Woods admitted he was in the wrong, and she walked away with a rumored $100M settlement. Woods has only won one major since his divorce. KARMA?
Marylin Monroe and Joe DiMaggio
While Marylin Monroe and baseball's Joe DiMaggio were married in a quiet ceremony at City Hall in San Francisco, the quiet didn't last long. The couple's level of fame may have been their demise. Monroe tearfully told reporters that she was seeking a divorce from DiMaggio on the grounds of "mental cruelty." Initially drawn to her goddess-like ways, he was not okay with her flaunting it. Even after the divorce and her tragic death, DiMaggio still held onto their love. According to a Vanity Fair article, DiMaggio spoke about his ex-wife in his final words on his deathbed in 1999, "I'll finally get to see Marilyn." NO END TO LOVE
Hulk and Linda Hogan
Hulk Hogan and his wife Linda appeared to be a happy family on their TV show "Hogan Knows Best." After 24 years of marriage and allegations he cheated with their daughter's friend, the divorce came along with a lengthy, nasty court battle. It became messy again after that, with Linda dating Charley Hill, who was 19 at the time. Hill proposed to Linda on an episode of "Celebrity Therapy." They broke up, but he sued her for treating him like a laborer during their relationship. Hulk remarried, but they parted ways in early 2022. HULKMANIA
Scottie and Larsa Pippen
The bitter divorce of Larsa and former NBA (National Basketball Association) player Scottie Pippen spent a better part of the last few years in the headlines. Larsa filed for divorce again in November 2018 amid rumors the "Real Housewives of Miami" and former “Keeping Up With the Kardashians” guest star had an affair with rapper Future. The drama escalated when Larsa was pictured with another NBA player, Malik Beasley, who was married with a child. The divorce between the Pippens was finalized in December 2021. ONWARD AND UPWARD
Frank and Jamie McCourt
The divorce between Frank and Jamie McCourt was something out of a movie. Former Los Angeles Dodgers owner Frank McCourt separated from his wife of 30 years, Jamie, but it was a little awkward. You see, Jamie was the CEO of the team, and she was fired one week after the couple's separation was announced. So she filed for divorce. The public battle ensued. Long, bitter story short, she walked away with $131M and real estate assets, a far cry from half of what Frank sold the Dodgers for in 2012 - $2.5B. The two signed their divorce agreement in 2011 when the team was bankrupt. TAKE ME OUT TO THE COURTHOUSE
Honorable mention goes to three dissolutions of marriage. The first is Michael Jordan's divorce from his wife Juanita, one of the most expensive celebrity divorces of all time. Then in a story too weird that we had to mention it: New York Yankees Fritz Peterson and Mike Kekich held separate press conferences during spring training in 1973, announcing they had traded wives. Entire families, actually, including dogs.
Sports Curious, presented by Last Night's Game, is here to take the awkward out of the conversation and help you join the sports conversation, even if you don't know the first thing about sports. We break down what's happening in sports in an easy-to-understand, fun way without all of the statistics and jargon, so you never have to exit stage left when the chatter at the office, dinner table or networking event switches to sports.
You can always catch us between podcasts at www.lastnightsgame.com or on social media. If you love us, make sure to leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts.
LIKE US? SHARE US WITH YOUR FRIENDS.
The Kardashian's Love Affair With Sports
The Kardashians have a long history with the world of sports.
Photo: Instagram/kimkardashian
(Podcast length 4:00 mins)
It's not all basketball and breakups; they also have their eye on the business of sports.
Transcript
1. First, we have to acknowledge the elephant in the room – there has been a fair share of relationships with athletes, primarily with the players of the NBA (National Basketball Association). We were all sad to see Devin Booker and Kendall Jenner break up, although rumors are they are back together. Then there was Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries. Kim also dated international soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo and don't forget about NFL (National Football League) player Reggie Bush. The Khloe Kardashian-Lamar Odom drama seemed intense until we met Tristian Thompson. HEARTBREAK HOTEL
2. Kim's underwear, shapewear and loungewear company SKIMS outfitted all of Team USA in its loungewear and undergarments at the 2020 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo. They continued their collaboration into the Winter Games, equipping all female members of Team USA in both the Olympic and Paralympic Games with lounge and sleepwear to wear in their downtime. TEAM SPIRIT
3. Let's not forget about Caitlyn Jenner and the patriarch Robert Kardashian. Robert became a household name after being a part of NFL player O.J. Simpson's defense team. He passed away in 2003. Jenner graced the cover of the coveted Wheaties box after winning a gold medal in the decathlon at the 1976 Summer Olympics. LEGENDS
4. After the fall of Kabul to the Taliban in November 2021, Kim Kardashian partnered with a New York Rabbi and a U.K soccer club to evacuate members of the Afghanistan's women's youth development soccer team and their families to Britain. A plane charted by Kim carried 130 people to an airport near London where the English Premier League club, Leeds United, offered support to the teenage athletes. FORCE FOR GOOD
5. As daughters of an Olympian, Kendall and Kylie have dabbled in athletic contests. Kylie revealed she played on a boy's football team. Kendall certainly has the athletic spirit in her blood, saying, "Every blood test I have ever done has said that I am, like, over the normal limit of athleticness." Kim has left her mark on the sports world, serving as a cover model for this year's Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition. And it was so fast you may have missed it, but Kim’s face appeared on the hood of a NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) car promoting her fragrance line. BRANDING AT ITS BEST
Sports Curious, presented by Last Night's Game, is here to take the awkward out of the conversation and help you join the sports conversation, even if you don't know the first thing about sports. We break down what's happening in sports in an easy-to-understand, fun way without all of the statistics and jargon, so you never have to exit stage left when the chatter at the office, dinner table or networking event switches to sports.
You can always catch us between podcasts at www.lastnightsgame.com or on social media. If you love us, make sure to leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts.
LIKE US? SHARE US WITH YOUR FRIENDS.
Athletes Who Are The Definition Of Dad Goals
#raddads
Photo: Instagram/dwyanewade
(Podcast length 4:56 mins)
Just because these dads have careers that put them in the limelight doesn’t mean they don't know which job is most important.
Transcript
1. Retired NBA (National Basketball Association) player Dwyane Wade grew up in a challenging environment which taught him to "lead with love" as he raises sons Zaire, 20, and Xavier, 8, and daughters Zaya, 15, and Kaavia, 3, and his nephew Dahveon Morris, 20. He and his wife actress, Gabrielle Union, rallied around Zaya, who came out as transgender in 2020. He refers to Zaya as the "bravest" person he knows for sharing her story, "knowing there's other kids that are going through similar things, and knowing that they do not get the love and attention and the respect from their parents." The couple is also very open about their journey with surrogacy with Kaavia after struggling to conceive. FAMILY IS EVERYTHING
2. Denver Broncos (NFL – National Football League) quarterback Russell Wilson never had a chance to celebrate his illustrious career with his dad. His dad passed away shortly after he was drafted by the Colorado Rockies (MLB – Major League Baseball), and he never had a chance to see him play in the NFL. Wilson, married to singer Ciara, is dad to 1-year-old son Win Harrison, daughter Sienna Princess, 5, and son Future Zahir, 8, whom Ciara shares with ex Future. Wilson and Ciara not only invest in their own family but in children in their community through their Why Not You Foundation, which fights poverty through education and empowering youth to lead with a "why not you" attitude. ROLE MODEL
3. Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the best soccer players of our generation, but the title that makes him most proud is "dad." Losing his father at a young age at 20 years old is a topic that brings him to tears. Ronaldo is the father to Cristiano Jr., 11, whose mother has not been revealed, five-year-old twins Evan and Mateo, born via surrogate, and Alana, 4, and one-month-old Bella with longtime girlfriend, Georgina Rodríguez. Ronaldo and Rodríguez lost Bella's infant's twin brother during childbirth. While he's used to being the rock, after the death of his son, soccer fans stepped up to support him, signing the song "You'll Never Walk Alone" during Ronaldo's first game back. RAISE 'EM UP
4. Most dads would do anything to help their kids achieve their dreams. Enter Freddie Freeman of the Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB). The beginning of last season wasn't going so well for Freeman. His son Charlie said, "Daddy, I'm gonna need you to start playing better so I can go to the All-Star Game and meet Fernando (Tatis Jr. of the San Diego Padres)." Freddie said, 'That's the only reason you want me to play better?" Charlie said yes, and the rest is history. Charlie had a chance to make his dreams come true by meeting Tatis and his other heroes at the 2021 MLB All-Star Game. Freddie then made his own dreams come true by winning the World Series with the Atlanta Braves. DREAM BIG
5. While you might disagree with his antics, LaVar Ball has taken a page from Kris Kardashian's book regarding his sons' successes. His undying belief in his offspring's abilities is second to none. Lonzo Ball was the second pick in the NBA Draft in 2017, Lamelo was the No. 3 pick in 2020 and LiAngelo is in the G League (the NBA's development league). Nobody markets like LaVar, but he's also not perfect, so we won't judge him on his Big Baller athletic apparel company and its' $800 shoes. ULTIMATE CHEERLEADER
Sports Curious, presented by Last Night's Game, is here to take the awkward out of the conversation and help you join the sports conversation, even if you don't know the first thing about sports. We break down what's happening in sports in an easy-to-understand, fun way without all of the statistics and jargon, so you never have to exit stage left when the chatter at the office, dinner table or networking event switches to sports.
You can always catch us between podcasts at www.lastnightsgame.com or on social media. If you love us, make sure to leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts.
LIKE US? SHARE US WITH YOUR FRIENDS.
5 Pride Month Sports Stories That We Love
Celebrating the world's LGBTQ communities.
Photo: Giphy
(Podcast length 5:38 mins)
Pride month honors the world's LGBTQ communities by coming together and celebrating the freedom to be themselves. To mark the occasion, here are five stories we love.
Transcript
1. Out athletes like Billie Jean King (tennis), Megan Rapinoe (soccer) and NBA (National Basketball Association) player Jason Collins are passionate advocates of the LGBTQ community. Collins was the first active male player in any of the four major men's pro sports leagues to come out as gay publicly. During his playing days, he wore the number 98 to protest the anti-gay hate murder crime in 1998. During his recent address to the graduates of Middlebury College, Collins expressed his appreciation for Billie Jean King and her advocacy that gave him courage. He also shared the life lessons he learned from team sports (including a quote from Ted Lasso) that made him "the big, beautiful, fabulous Black man" he is. WISE WORDS
2. Professional sports teams across the country will celebrate Pride Month with Pride Nights. Major League Baseball (MLB) is getting on board with teams wearing LGBTQ pride logos to celebrate Pride Night at the ballpark. The Los Angeles Dodgers saw record-breaking ticket sales during their Pride Night vs. the New York Mets. The Dodgers will then make history on June 11 when they join the San Francisco Giants to become the first two teams to wear Pride caps in the same game. While the Dodgers and Giants may be on board, some players, like those on the Tampa Bay Rays, opted out of wearing the Pride logos due to religious reasons. STEPPING UP TO THE PLATE
3. As evident with the record-breaking numbers of ticket sales for the Dodgers Pride Night, fans show their support with their wallets. For example, look no further than when Las Vegas Raiders player Carl Nassib came out in 2021, and his jersey instantly became the highest-selling jersey. But teams are also showing their financial support. Austin FC (MLS – Major League Soccer) will auction off their game-worn jerseys from their Pride Night (June 27). In addition, 20 percent of proceeds from the club's pride patch sales will be donated to the Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce's Education Fund. BETTER TOGETHER
4. The Summer Olympics in Tokyo set a record with at least 186 LGBTQ athletes competing, which is more LGBTQ athletes than all the previous Summer Olympics combined. That group includes WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association star and two-time Olympic gold medalist Brittney Griner who has been detained in Russia since February. Sharing the horrendous conditions he lived in, Trevor Reed, an American veteran who spent nearly three years detained in Russia before being released in April, joined athletes and advocates worldwide this month to call upon legislators and the White House to work faster to free Griner. Just last weekend, the Boston Celtics used their platform to support Griner by wearing "We Are BG" shirts during their warmups during the NBA Finals. FREEDOM
5. In early June Amazon released the trailer for their new show "A League Of Their Own," an adaptation of the 1992 favorite movie starring Madonna, Tom Hanks and Geena Davis. The show's creators highlighted the importance of bringing stories of queer joy and perseverance in a time when that really wasn't acceptable in society to the small screen. Racism will also be a central storyline of the show. The show premieres on Prime Video on August 12. MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Sports Curious, presented by Last Night's Game, is here to take the awkward out of the conversation and help you join the sports conversation, even if you don't know the first thing about sports. We break down what's happening in sports in an easy-to-understand, fun way without all of the statistics and jargon, so you never have to exit stage left when the chatter at the office, dinner table or networking event switches to sports.
You can always catch us between podcasts at www.lastnightsgame.com or on social media. If you love us, make sure to leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts.
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Cute Kids, Soaring Ratings And Louis Vuitton Luggage - What You Need To Know About The NBA Finals
Where passion, grit and talent unite to make some darn good TV.
Photo: Markus Spiske on Unsplash
(Podcast length 4:23 mins)
The NBA Finals – where passion, grit and talent unite to make some darn good TV. If you haven't had a chance to watch a game this season, now's your chance.
Transcript
1. If it seems like the Golden State Warriors are always in the finals, well, they are. This is their sixth appearance in eight years, and they're seeking their fourth title. They're taking on the Boston Celtics, who you may have seen in "Winning Time" on HBO as one of the league's most storied franchises. The Celtics have 17 championships, securing their last title in the 2007-2008 season. ALL IN DUE TIME
2. Despite blowout games and a lack of fan-favorite names like LeBron James, the ratings for the playoffs have been high with recognizable franchises like the Warriors and Celtics. The playoffs saw a 23% boost in viewers from last year when Milwaukee Bucks beat the Phoenix Suns. The ratings are up 102% over the 2020 delayed postseason. MUST-SEE TV
3. The coaches are in a league of their own. First, the outspoken head coach of the Warriors, Steve Kerr. An NBA veteran player with eight championships (five as a player and three as a coach), Kerr most recently made headlines for his passionate press conference after the Uvalde school shooting. Kerr's father was shot in killed in Beirut in the 80s and has been a longtime advocate for gun control. Celtics head coach Ime Udoka patiently waited to get his first NBA coaching job, and his team is in the finals. You might recognize his partner, actress Nia Long in the stands. The two share a 10-year-old son. BOSS MEN
4. Speaking of kids, in 2015, Riley Curry stole the spotlight from her dad Steph Curry when she crashed a Western Conference Finals press conference. Now that Riley is nine, look for Deuce Tatum, the four-year-old son of Celtics star Jayson Tatum to carry the torch. Deuce is a fixture on the sidelines and in the postgame locker room. THEY GROW UP SO FAST
5. The league has had a longtime partnership with Tiffany & Co., the makers of the Larry O'Brien trophy, named after the league's third commissioner. This year's trophy received a bit of a facelift that includes the net and ball shifted forward, which is a direct reference to the NBA's focus on the future. The trophy comes with its own Louis Vuitton travel case. WOULDN'T HAVE IT ANY OTHER WAY
Bonus: Besides Steph Curry and Jayson Tatum, a few players to look out for include the Celtics Al Horford, 36, who has played in more playoff games than anyone in history without making the finals. That is until this year. Marcus Smart from the Celtics is the defensive player of the year, so maybe he'll help slow down Curry.
Two of Curry's teammates on the Warriors to watch for are the outspoken Draymond Green, who predicted these two teams would meet in the finals. Then there's Klay Thompson, who missed the last two seasons with an injury. Coincidentally, those are the seasons the Warriors didn't win it all.
Sports Curious, presented by Last Night's Game, is here to take the awkward out of the conversation and help you join the sports conversation, even if you don't know the first thing about sports. We break down what's happening in sports in an easy-to-understand, fun way without all of the statistics and jargon, so you never have to exit stage left when the chatter at the office, dinner table or networking event switches to sports.
You can always catch us between podcasts at www.lastnightsgame.com or on social media. If you love us, make sure to leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts.
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The Best Commencement Speeches By Athletes
Time to be inspired by greatness.
(Podcast length 5:20 mins)
It’s that time of year – time to be inspired by greatness. Here are snippets of some of our favorite commencement speeches by outstanding athletes.
Transcript
Megan Rapinoe
World Cup winner and Olympic Gold medalist in soccer, Graduate Together: America Honors the High School Class of 2020.
“We’re separated in ways we’ve never experienced and facing a world that will never be the same. So, I’m not going to ask you to come together. I’m going to ask you to demand better together. For many of you this year will be the first time you’ve cast a ballot…I know first-hand the power of a movement led by and for the next generation. You are that next generation. Take the torch and leave your mark. Put your stake in the ground and build the future that you want and you believe in and fight like hell to do it.” DO BETTER, BE BETTER
Magic Johnson
Hall of Fame NBA (National Basketball Association) Player, Commencement address at Michigan State University, 2010
“You can’t control if your boss will like you or not, but you can control if your boss respects you or not. And how can you do that? By being the first one to work and the last one to leave.” SIMPLE BUT POWERFUL
Billie Jean King
Hall of Fame tennis player, Commencement address at the University of Massachusetts, 2000
“Every ball that comes to me is a decision. Do I slice it, do I hit cross-court, do I hit topspin, do I hit sidespin, do I lob? What do I do? But I have to accept responsibility for that. And that’s where sports teaches us to put it on the line, so to speak, and live it. And here remember one thing. It’s everyone’s responsibility to lead, to honor, and to fight, for everyone’s basic rights, for equality.” STAND FOR OTHERS
Kareem Abdul Jabbar
Hall of Fame NBA player, Commencement address at Washington University in St. Louis, 2021
“The other important lesson you should have learned by now is that in life you never stop graduating. Life is an endless series of graduations, during which you feel the same anxious uncertainty, that roiling feeling in your stomach that you experience as the roller coaster goes up, up, up, anticipating curling over the top and the sudden, face-yanking plummet...But they all have similar characteristics in common: they will challenge what you think you know about the world and about yourself. Each time you open that new door, you’re a different person from the last time. You’re graduating but you’re also evolving.” NEW DAY, NEW YOU
Sabrina Ionescu
No. 1 draft pick and WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association) player, Commencement address at the University of Oregon, 2020
“Kobe taught me that dedication sees dreams come true. Give it everything you’ve got. This time is teaching us that we are not always in control. Don’t forget to live in the moment, but try to be the best you can. It is so important to control what you can, and just do your best. The rest will take care of itself…Kobe taught me that the most important thing is to inspire people so that they can be great in whatever they want to do. Use your platform, big or small, we all have voices.” BETTER TOGETHER
Sports Curious, presented by Last Night's Game, is here to take the awkward out of the conversation and help you join the sports conversation, even if you don't know the first thing about sports. We break down what's happening in sports in an easy-to-understand, fun way without all of the statistics and jargon, so you never have to exit stage left when the chatter at the office, dinner table or networking event switches to sports.
You can always catch us between podcasts at www.lastnightsgame.com or on social media. If you love us, make sure to leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts.
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And The Oscar Goes To...
The most celebrated sports movies that you know and love.
Photo: Instagram/theacademy
(Podcast length 4 mins)
King Richard will represent the sports world when the Oscars air on Sunday night. If it wins, the movie, nominated for six Academy Awards including Best Picture and a Best Actor nomination for Will Smith, is in good company with these Oscar-award-winning sports movies.
Transcript
Million Dollar Baby (2004) This movie about a middle-class female boxer who forges a life-changing bond with her trainer is tied for the most celebrated film on our list. The movie took home Oscars for Best Picture, Best Actress (Hilary Swank), Best Director (Clint Eastwood) and Best Supporting Actor (Morgan Freeman). The other flick with four wins? Chariots of Fire. GIRL ON FIRE
Rocky (1976) We all remember the iconic line of “Yo Adrian” and Sylvester Stallone’s run up the steps. Still, while the actors and their lines are what we remember, the movie took home the Best Picture, Best Director and Best Film Editing awards. A big fat TKO for Rocky and Adrian. WE’LL STILL NEVER EAT A RAW EGG FOR BREAKFAST
Jerry Maguire (1996) Tom Cruise may have yelled “show me the money” in a story about a sports agent down on his luck, but Cuba Gooding Jr. showed them how it was done as he received the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor. OSCAR, YOU COMPLETE ME
The Blind Side (2009) Sandra Bullock took home her first Oscar for her role as a pushy mom who takes in a homeless teen and helps to harness his talents to turn him into a football powerhouse. The film is based on the true story of Michael Oher, who became a college football sensation and an NFL (National Football League) player. DREAMS DO COME TRUE
Ford vs. Ferrari (2019) The movie about the 24 hours Le Mans race pitted Christian Bale as Ken Miles and Matt Damon as Carroll Shelby against each other. The movie was nominated for four Academy Awards that included Best Picture and took home two trophies for Best Film Editing and Best Sound Editing. Arguably one of the best racing movies ever, the movie lost to Parasite for Best Picture. No racing-themed film has ever won Best Picture. SO YOU’RE SAYING THERE’S A CHANCE?
Honorable mentions: Chariots of Fire won four Academy Awards, including one for its inspiring musical score. Kobe Bryant won for his animated short, Dear Basketball. Bryant said that his win “felt better than winning a championship.” THE TROPHY ISN’T AS COOL
PS: If you prefer to watch March Madness basketball over the Academy Awards, check out our Guide to March Madness for the background on the tournament and more of what you need to know.
Sports Curious, presented by Last Night's Game, is here to take the awkward out of the conversation and help you join the sports conversation, even if you don't know the first thing about sports. We break down what's happening in sports in an easy-to-understand, fun way without all of the statistics and jargon, so you never have to exit stage left when the chatter at the office, dinner table or networking event switches to sports.
You can always catch us between podcasts at www.lastnightsgame.com or on social media. If you love us, make sure to leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts.
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Women Who Have Changed The Sports World For The Better
Standing on the shoulders of those who came before us.
Photo: Instagram/billiejeanking
(Podcast length 5:13 mins)
These legends have made sports more accessible to the next generation.
Transcript
1. Thanks to athletes like Simone Biles (gymnastics) and Naomi Osaka (tennis), mental health became a dinner table topic. Osaka withdrew from the French Open and Wimbledon to focus on her well-being. But the world saw just how the pressure impacted an athlete when Simone Biles battled the "twisties" in the Summer Olympics. She put her safety and her team first, withdrawing from the Olympic women's gymnastics all-around competition. BRAINS > BRAWN
2. Billie Jean King has advocated for women's sports for more than five decades. King was a part of the Original 9, a group of trailblazing women who put their tennis careers on hold to push for equal pay among men and women. Did you know that she was the first woman in sports history to win $100,000 in a single year? King continues her advocacy work and frequently uses her social media to promote and celebrate women breaking the glass ceiling. Most recently, she conducted the coin toss ahead of the 2022 Super Bowl to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Title IX, which provides equal funding for men and women at high schools, colleges and universities. ALL HAIL THE QUEEN
3. Track and field star Allyson Felix is the most decorated US track and field athlete in history, winning 11 Olympic medals, but it's what she did off the track that has shaped her legacy. The formerly Nike-sponsored athlete took on the company, saying that she would be financially penalized for having a child per her contract. (Her daughter was born via emergency c-section in 2018). She was so fed up with NIKE’s lack of support for female athletes that she left NIKE for Athleta. (Simone Biles is also an Athleta sponsored athlete). Felix isn't the only athlete worried about being dropped for having a child – it's a far too common practice. NIKE has since changed its performance-related reduction policies for its pregnant athletes. A FORCE FOR CHANGE
4. Move over Jerry Maguire; Nicole Lynn is here. Lynn, 33, became the first black woman to represent a top-five NFL (National Football League) draft pick. Before the draft, she took to the internet to figure out what other women agents have worn and found no inspiration because only two women have ever represented players in the draft previously. Lynn continues to grow her roster of clients and has even written a book to inspire women to become their most effective advocates. In addition, Lynn serves as the President of Football Operations for Klutch Sports Group, led by basketball agent Rich Paul (aka Adele's beau). TAKE YOUR SEAT AT THE TABLE
5. Doris Burke has long inspired the next generation of sports broadcasters. Burke is the first woman to be awarded the Curt Gowdy Media Award by the Basketball Hall of Fame. She is also the first woman to be a full-time NBA TV analyst on ESPN and ABC and the first woman to serve as a game analyst for the NBA (National Basketball Association) Finals on network television or radio broadcast. She paved the way for so many in the broadcast world, like Jessica Mendoza. Medoza was the first woman to have a full-time baseball analyst role and call a World Series game on a national broadcast. STANDING ON THE SHOULDERS OF GIANTS
6. Our last honor goes to the loudest voices of this generation. The US Women’s National Team has four World Cup titles and six Olympic medals (four gold). In 2019, they filed a class-action lawsuit against US Soccer seeking equal pay and working conditions. In February 2022, the two finally reached a historic agreement for women's soccer and women's sports. The agreement states that US Soccer will pay the US women's and men's national teams an equal pay rate for all friendlies and tournaments, including the World Cup. US Soccer will also pay $22 million to the players included in the case as well as an "additional $2 million into an account to benefit the USWNT players in their post-career goals and charitable efforts related to women's and girls' soccer." STICK TO YOUR GUNS
Sports Curious, presented by Last Night's Game, is here to take the awkward out of the conversation and help you join the sports conversation, even if you don't know the first thing about sports. We break down what's happening in sports in an easy-to-understand, fun way without all of the statistics and jargon, so you never have to exit stage left when the chatter at the office, dinner table or networking event switches to sports.
You can always catch us between podcasts at www.lastnightsgame.com or on social media. If you love us, make sure to leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts.
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Athletes Spend How Much To Stay At The Top Of Their Game??
From LeBron to your favorite Olympians, being at the top of your game isn’t cheap.
(Podcast length 5:27 mins)
Eating healthy and staying in shape isn’t cheap, and while some professional athletes make millions to be in mint condition, what about our Olympians? Food for thought.
Transcript
1. If you follow LeBron James, 37, on Instagram, you know he loves wine and is in insane shape. There’s no word on his annual wine budget, but he reportedly spends $1.5 million a year staying in shape. The two-time NBA (National Basketball Association) MVP uses cryotherapy and a hyperbaric chamber (amongst other things) to remain in prime condition along with a team that includes a personal chef, masseuse and a trainer. That’s nothing considering, according to Forbes, he’ll make $41.2 million in salary alone for the upcoming 2021-22 season and an estimated $70 million from other business ventures. WORTHY INVESTMENT
2. In an interview, Russell Wilson, one of the highest-paid players in the NFL (National Football League), said he pays close to $1 million a year on recovery. The Seattle Seahawks quarterback has a team that travels everywhere with him and his wife Ciara, including a physical therapist, a “mobile person” who makes sure Wilson is “moving the right way,” a massage therapist and two chefs. DON’T WE ALL?
3. Let’s talk about the ageless Tom Brady. How about shelling out a minimum of $16,000 a year to eat like him? (Chef not included). His diet is legendary, and it has not only inspired his company TB12 and food line Purple Carrot, but it has inspired his fellow players to up their game. Case in point, Odell Beckham Jr. of the Los Angeles Rams. He liked what he saw in the 44-year-old Brady and credits him for the longevity in his own career. OBJ said that he spends around $300,00 a year on doctors, trainers and track coaches who help him train and recover. WHATEVER IT TAKES
4. Sure, that’s great that these prominent athletes can swing the price tag to stay at the top of their game, but what about when it comes to the Olympics? In a sport that doesn’t get much time in the limelight, table tennis athletes train for anywhere between eight to 12 years to reach the Olympic level at the tune of $20,000 a year. Mom of Olympic gymnast Gabby Douglas said the expense of her daughter’s training, which is around $15,000/year just in training, was one of the factors in why she had to file for bankruptcy. Remember, athletes aren’t paid to participate in the Olympics, and those who compete in less mainstream sports have to work hard to secure sponsors. Although it doesn’t even out, Olympians receive a financial reward for winning a medal. ALL-IN
5. What happens when you spend all of that money and don’t make it to the big show – the Olympics? Ice dancers, siblings Rachel and Michael Parsons’ family spent over $500,000 during their 12-year career. With their eyes on the Olympics, expenses were mounting up to the tune of $40,000 - $75,000 a year. Sadly, the two never did qualify for the Winter Olympics. HEART AND BANK-BREAKING
Sports Curious, presented by Last Night's Game, is here to take the awkward out of the conversation and help you join the sports conversation, even if you don't know the first thing about sports. We break down what's happening in sports in an easy-to-understand, fun way without all of the statistics and jargon, so you never have to exit stage left when the chatter at the office, dinner table or networking event switches to sports.
You can always catch us between podcasts at www.lastnightsgame.com or on social media. If you love us, make sure to leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts.
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5 Athlete Gameday Rituals To Incorporate Into Your Everyday Life
This is next level.
(Podcast length 4:53 mins)
New year, new you? Well, we’ll let you decide whether or not these rituals are worth adopting in 2023.
Transcript
1. Who are we to argue with one of the best NBA (National Basketball Association) players ever to play the game when it comes to wine consumption? Wine lover LeBron James believes in drinking wine every day. He said, "Listen, I'm playing the best basketball of my life, and I'm drinking some wine pretty much every day. Whatever it is, I'll take it." BOTTOMS UP
2. Sleep seems like the first thing to go with so much on our plates. Well, that's probably the only reason we're not professional athletes. From skier Lindsey Vonn to tennis player Roger Federer to the world's fastest man, runner Usain Bolt, they all stress the importance of eight-plus hours of sleep to recharge. (Bolt sleeps 8-10 hours a night and takes a nap). Did you know that Tom Brady (NFL) nearly missed a Super Bowl when he fell asleep in front of his locker during the pregame? SLEEPING THEIR WAY TO THE TOP
3. Exercise is critical in keeping your stress levels low, and no surprise, yoga is a fan favorite for athletes across all sports. Yoga has been a mainstay for athletes from the NFL's Aaron Rodgers to the Seattle Seahawks (NFL) to LeBron James to Kevin Love (NBA). When learning yoga, former Los Angeles Clippers (NBA) player Jordan Farmar said, "I thought it was something that girls did. It couldn't hurt, and if I didn't like it, well, I still got to go on a nice trip and see what Tahiti was like." WELL, THERE'S THAT
4. Serena Williams has a packed schedule between her tennis career, fashion line, multiple businesses, and a family. So how does she keep her sanity? Apps. Her favorite is Toggl, an app that helps track her time, breaking down what percentage of each day goes to the three significant areas in her life: her family, her businesses and tennis. She admits to Fast Company that she has adopted a new appreciation for tech since marrying tech founder Alexis Ohanian. However, she still relies on everyday apps like Zoom and Slack to coordinate her work and Zero to track her eating habits. SAME
5. In the "do not try this at home" category, try a little urine if your hands are worn down from typing on the computer all day. Yes, you read that correctly. Baseball greats like Moises Alou and Jorge Posada made their hands gameday ready by peeing on them. IT'S ONLY CRAZY IF IT DOESN'T WORK
Honorable mention: Brooklyn Nets (NBA) star Kyrie Irving is known for his abstract ideas, like vehemently defending his theory that the world is flat. But one ritual he does before every game (if the away team allows him to) that you might be able to borrow is that he burns sage or "smudges" the court to clear the energy. That might come in handy when he returns to the court on January 5 after being out since the beginning of the season. He will still only be able to play at away games as the unvaccinated Irving is unable to play at home games in Barclays Center in Brooklyn. WHATEVER IT TAKES
Sports Curious, presented by Last Night's Game, is here to take the awkward out of the conversation and help you join the sports conversation, even if you don't know the first thing about sports. We break down what's happening in sports in an easy-to-understand, fun way without all of the statistics and jargon, so you never have to exit stage left when the chatter at the office, dinner table or networking event switches to sports.
You can always catch us between podcasts at www.lastnightsgame.com or on social media. If you love us, make sure to leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts.
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Dreaming Of A Polite Christmas?
Saving your sanity one awkward moment at a time.
(Podcast length - 5:26 mins)
We all have this idyllic vision of our family holiday with chestnuts roasting on an open fire while drinking eggnog and laughing in our Christmas sweaters. Now let’s be real, that only happens in the movies. Inevitably someone says something offensive about politics, insults the meal or gives a present that’s wholly inappropriate. When things take an awkward turn, here are a few ways to redirect the conversation to safer ground.
Transcript
AT YOUR OFFICE POTLUCK, YOU’RE STUCK IN A CONVERSATION WITH THE MOST BORING PERSON IN THE OFFICE WITH NO RESCUE IN SIGHT
They have to be passionate about something – pets, travel, their stamp collection or a good cause. Like John Cena, whose heart is bigger than his biceps. The WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) wrestler’s mantra is “Never Give Up” and that’s what he’s told the countless Make-A-Wish kids he’s met with. There are so many moments to make you smile like the time he had a tea party with one Make-A-Wish visitor, while decked out in his full wrestling regalia. Because of the orchestrated nature of his sport, he’s even gone as far as to weave certain moves requested by the kids into his “performance” during a matchup. TINY UNIFORM, BIG HEART
The holidays are a time of year to give, and no one gives more than these five athletes who give back to their community in a big way.
WHEN YOUR GRANDPA TALKS POLITICS, SENDING YOUR FAMILY INTO A TIZZY
You know what’s not controversial? Getting someone a gift they love. Athletes might be known for their moves on the field, but their gift-giving abilities are their hidden talent. How about a parka that dispenses Skittles, an Audi A7 or a handwritten note? HERE’S HOW ATHLETES SPREAD HOLIDAY CHEER IN THE LOCKER ROOM
You were the life of the party but now there’s not enough Advil in the world to stop your hangover.
Keep yourself in the game by trying this recovery routine. Former NBA (National Basketball Association) player Amare Stoudemire was known for bathing in red wine to help his post-game recovery so it’s no surprise that the former member of the Phoenix Suns and Israeli citizen created his own kosher wine. ZEN
From wine to tequila, here are more athletes you can thank for your next hangover.
WHEN YOU PUT ON YOUR BIG FAKE SMILE BECAUSE YOU RECEIVED YET ANOTHER PAIR OF UNDERWEAR
Be a good sport because it’s time for college football bowl game season. If you’re not one of the four teams playing for a chance at the National Championship (Cincinnati, Michigan, Alabama and Georgia), a bowl game is like a participation trophy but with great TV exposure and gifts. The most memorable bowl game names this season roll off the tongue like the Cheez-It Bowl, TaxSlayer Gator Bowl, the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl and the inaugural Jimmy Kimmel Bowl LA Bowl. And yes, there used to be a game called the Salad Bowl. HOW LONG UNTIL WE HAVE THE SMOKE-A BOWL?
Links:
Sports Curious presented by Last Night's Game, is here to take the awkward out of the conversation and help you join the sports conversation, even if you don't know the first thing about sports. We break down what's happening in sports in an easy-to-understand, fun way without all of the statistics and jargon so you never have to exit stage left when the chatter at the office, dinner table or a networking event switches to sports.
You can always catch us between podcasts at www.lastnightsgame.com or on social media. If you love us, make sure to leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. And if you have feedback or questions, you can email Amy at amy@lastnightsgame.com.
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The Most Awkward Athlete Product Endorsements
This is what happens when you cross a laxative, perfume and a rental car company.
PHOTO: AdWeek
(Podcast length - 4:45 mins)
We realize you have to pay the bills somehow, but these five athlete partnerships make us a little confused.
Transcript
Photo: Ad Savvy
David Beckham for Young Fish Sticks
Nothing makes you want to fire up dinner faster than David Beckham's face on the side of a box of fish sticks. Beckham, who modeled Calvin Klein skivvies on billboards and Adidas endorsed Young Fish Sticks in 2010, complete with his picture on the side of the box. IN THE FREEZER SECTION
Photo: YouTube
Wilt Chamberlain for Fletcher's Castoria for Children
Wilt the Stilt's endorsement of a children's laxative was undoubtedly more uncomfortable than a stopped-up system. What's better? His mom was in the commercials too. In the commercial, she talked about how when her son was feeling sluggish, Fletcher's made him feel like himself again. MAMA KNOWS BEST
Photo: Flicker
OJ Simpson for Hertz Rental Car
Oh, the irony. The man who was part of this century's most notable police chase was the spokesperson for a rental car company. Granted, the partnership was during Simpson's football career, and the high-speed chase was later but still. Simpson graciously offered to be the spokesperson again for the company in 2020 after they filed for bankruptcy. DON'T CALL US, WE'LL CALL YOU?
Photo: Amazon
Brett Favre and Wrangler Jeans
The partnership is one you're not likely to forget – cowboy meets NFL quarterback. And nothing says, let's play a game of football like a pair of jeans. The partnership became a little more awkward (and a target for "Saturday Night Live") after Favre got into trouble sending lewd photos to women. NOT IDEAL
Photo: Walmart
Khloe Kardashian and Lamar Odom for Unbreakable Bond Perfume
A public breakup is tough when you're a celebrity, but what about when you share a booming business like Unbreakable Bond unisex perfume? The perfume, which features images of the couple all over the packaging, wasn't exactly a best seller like Kylie's lip kits. However, there was a second perfume made just for the holidays – Unbreakable Joy. THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING
Links:
Sports Curious presented by Last Night's Game, is here to take the awkward out of the conversation and help you join the sports conversation, even if you don't know the first thing about sports. We break down what's happening in sports in an easy-to-understand, fun way without all of the statistics and jargon so you never have to exit stage left when the chatter at the office, dinner table or a networking event switches to sports.
You can always catch us between podcasts at www.lastnightsgame.com or on social media. If you love us, make sure to leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. And if you have feedback or questions, you can email Amy at amy@lastnightsgame.com.
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What Sports And An Episode Of 'Real Housewives' Have In Common
Drama, fights and shady sh*t aren't only reserved for Bravo.
Photo: Instagram/Bravo (RHOOC season premiere is December 1).
(Podcast length - 6:05 mins)
They all have game, but some motives are more questionable than others.
Transcript
1. What do Lisa Vanderpump and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson have in common? They want you to think of them at happy hour. Both Vanderpump and Johnson were successful, she as a restaurateur and he as a WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) wrestler, but they have used their platform to launch incredibly successful careers. Vanderpump has gone from “Housewives,” to “Vanderpump Rules” to a new show, “Overserved.” She’s added author, owner of a pet accessory company to her list and of course, her restaurant PUMP is on the must-see in Los Angeles list. We all know Johnson wants you to buy his Teremana tequila, watch his movies and indulge in his line with Under Armor, Project Rock. WHAT CAN’T THEY DO?
2. Our next two are known for doing some shady sh*t. Enter in Jen Shah and baseball’s own Lenny Dykstra. We all know that Shah was indicted for her alleged role in a long-running telemarketing scheme. If convicted, she could go to jail for up to 50 years. Dykstra went from the top of the world as a World Series winner to prison. Long story short, post-baseball he claimed to have a 100% hit rate at picking winning stocks and convinced people to jump on board his bandwagon, including the money man himself - Jim Cramer. Eventually, Dykstra filed for bankruptcy and went to prison. DOWNWARD SPIRAL
3. The “Malice at the Palace” makes the infamous Teresa table flip look like child’s play. A 2004 tussle on the court led to a fan throwing a beer on Detroit Pistons’ Ron Artest (NBA – National Basketball Association). Instead of having security take care of it, Artest charged up into the stands and beat the crap out of said beer thrower. As you can imagine, the league didn’t think highly of this and Artest was suspended for the rest of the season (and the incident was about four weeks into the season). THERE’S NO “I” IN TEAM
4. You’d never thought we’d compare Ramona Singer and Heather Dubrow to an NBA star but the resident fashionistas and Russell Westbrook have a lot in common with their own clothing/accessory lines. Russell Westbrook is known for his sometimes over-the-top postgame looks. He launched Honor The Gift, featuring athleisure-driven clothing as well as high-end athletic wear called Westbrook XO for Barneys. Other proud owners of a fashion-related business are Serena Williams (Serena), Tony Hawk (Birdhouse and Hawk Clothing), Venus Williams (EleVen) and Cristiano Ronaldo (CR7). FASHION MEETS FITNESS
5. “The Scum Bunch” might be how fans feel about some of the men on the series, but they had nothing on the dastardly deeds of the 1986 New York Mets team. (“The Scum Bunch” was the nicest thing that was said about the team that we could put in print). There were tales of members of the team destroying airplanes by throwing cake and steaks (different flights), doing performance-enhancing drugs and massive lines of cocaine, drinking, chasing women, fighting and the list goes on. Somehow they still managed to get their butts on the field, play baseball and win a World Series. HEATHER DUBROW COULD TEACH THEM A THING OR TWO ABOUT CLASS
Sports Curious presented by Last Night's Game, is here to take the awkward out of the conversation and help you join the sports conversation, even if you don't know the first thing about sports. We break down what's happening in sports in an easy-to-understand, fun way without all of the statistics and jargon so you never have to exit stage left when the chatter at the office, dinner table or a networking event switches to sports.
You can always catch us between podcasts at www.lastnightsgame.com or on social media. If you love us, make sure to leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. And if you have feedback or questions, you can email Amy at amy@lastnightsgame.com.
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The 5 Things You Need To Know About The 2021-2022 NBA Season
Forget the stats and rankings, here’s what you really want to know.
PHOTO: Giphy
(Podcast length - 5:39 mins)
It's the 75th anniversary of the NBA, and there's a chance the Milwaukee Bucks will repeat this season but honestly, the field is wide open. But we're not here to talk standings and odds. Let's talk about the more exciting side of the NBA Season.
Transcript
It's the 75th anniversary of the NBA, and there's a chance the Milwaukee Bucks will repeat this season but honestly, the field is wide open. But we're not here to talk standings and odds. Let's talk about the more exciting side of the NBA Season.
1. Fashion first, always. Leaguewide, teams will wear 123 different uniforms this season, with each team receiving four jersey editions: Association, Icon, City and Statement. Three OG NBA franchises – New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors (then Philadelphia) and Boston Celtics will wear a fifth Classic edition uniform. (The original shorty-shorts are not included). On those wide varieties of jerseys, you'll see the jersey sponsorships patches. The patches, which are now commonplace across the league, started in 2017 and have generated more than $150 million in operating revenue. WHO IS WEARING WHAT AND WHEN
2. Ever wonder where all of the money from the fines players and coaches goes? To charity. Half of the money goes to the NBA for distribution to its official charitable partners. The other half goes to the NBPA's (National Basketball Players Association) non-profit, the NBPA Foundation. Some years the donations to the NBPA Foundation have totaled between $2.5 - $3 million. The funds go to furthering the sport and assistance to individuals, communities and organizations, sometimes globally. BAD GUY GONE GOOD
3. Old guys rule, for now. Many of the familiar faces in the league, like LeBron James (36), Chris Paul (36) and Dwight Howard (35), are the oldest players in the league. Look for young players like Zion Williamson (New Orleans Pelicans) and Cade Cunningham (Detroit Pistons) to step into the spotlight this season. The Los Angeles Lakers, which James and Howard both play for, is the oldest team in the league with an average age of 30.4. The Oklahoma City Thunder are the youngest, with an average age of 23.4. EXPERIENCE > YOUTH
4. Look out men, the women are taking the court, and technically, they're in charge. Danielle Scott, the daughter of a college basketball official, becomes the sixth full-time female referee this season. That's the most women the NBA has ever had on staff at one time. PART OF THE NORM
5. You can't talk about the season and not speak about COVID. The NBA is the last major professional sports league to emerge from COVID protocols and resume a regularly scheduled season, but city-imposed mandates will impact the game. In New York City, San Francisco and Los Angeles, out-of-town teams are exempt from the vaccination mandates, but the home teams are not. You've likely heard about Kyrie Irving (Brooklyn Nets) and how he can't even practice with his team until he's vaccinated. Irving's story may be the loudest, but it’s not the norm as the league is 95% vaccinated. SHOTS IN ARMS, BUTTS IN SEATS
Bonus: Here are the nuts and bolts of the season. Thirty teams will play 82 games – 41 at home and 41 away. At the end of the season, the top six teams in each of the two conferences will claim a place in the playoffs. The seventh through 10th ranked seeds will compete in a play-in tournament for each conference's two remaining playoff spots. Yes, more than half of the league makes it to the playoffs. DOESN'T MEAN IT'S NOT EXCITING
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Sports Curious presented by Last Night's Game, is here to take the awkward out of the conversation and help you join the sports conversation, even if you don't know the first thing about sports. We break down what's happening in sports in an easy-to-understand, fun way without all of the statistics and jargon so you never have to exit stage left when the chatter at the office, dinner table or a networking event switches to sports.
You can always catch us between podcasts at www.lastnightsgame.com or on social media. If you love us, make sure to leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. And if you have feedback or questions, you can email Amy at amy@lastnightsgame.com.
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The Most Athletic Celebrities (Some Who You'd Never Expect)
Expect the unexpected.
(Podcast length - 5 mins)
You don't think celebs are simply good looks and character acting? Some of them have skills that far exceed our expectations (and abilities) when it comes to athleticism.
Transcript
JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE
Justin Timberlake is known for his dance moves, but he’s also an avid golfer. He started playing when he was 12, and rumor has it, he has a 6 handicap. (The lower, the better). Timberlake is also a partial owner of the Memphis Grizzlies (NBA – National Basketball Association) and has a stake in the Music City Grand Prix ownership group. LIKE I LOVE YOU
GEENA DAVIS
She may have played the sensitive catcher in “A League Of Their Own,” but maybe Geena Davis should’ve tried out for the role of Katniss? The six-foot-tall Academy Award-winning actress nearly qualified for the Olympics in archery. After being inspired by the 1996 Summer Olympics, she began practicing five hours a day, six days a week. After two years, she came in 24 out of 300 competitors in an Olympic qualifier. DANG GEENA
ADAM SANDLER
Adam Sandler is a force to be reckoned with on the basketball court. While he’s best known for playing a golfer in “Happy Gilmore,” it’s his basketball skills that have some NBA players talking. The 55-year-old actor has been known to delight in a pickup basketball game or two when filming. IT’S ALL IN THE HIPS
MARIA MENOUNOS
A-list celebrities and athletes alike line up to play in the Super Bowl’s “Madden Bowl,” a knock-out tournament that pits celebs against each other in a game of Madden NFL. Well, the former Access Hollywood host Maria Menounos showed them all who was boss. In 2011, she became the first woman ever to win the championship title for the Madden Bowl. TAKE IT TO THE HOUSE
JUSTIN BIEBER
We all know Justin Bieber is Canadian, and just because he’s Canadian doesn’t mean he’s great at hockey, except when he is. In 2012, he was offered an ECHL (East Coast Hockey League) contract with Bakersfield for his great puck handling skills. You might remember back in early 2020 when All-Star NHL (National Hockey League) goalie Jordan Binnington challenged Bieber to a shootout after seeing a video on the pop star’s Instagram. Bieber has also been known to pick up a game or two with a few of his NHL friends. NEVER SAY NEVER
Honorable mentions go out to Steve Carrell (hockey), Terry Crews (football) and Nelly (softball and football).
Links:
Sports Curious presented by Last Night's Game, is here to take the awkward out of the conversation and help you join the sports conversation, even if you don't know the first thing about sports. We break down what's happening in sports in an easy-to-understand, fun way without all of the statistics and jargon so you never have to exit stage left when the chatter at the office, dinner table or a networking event switches to sports.
You can always catch us between podcasts at www.lastnightsgame.com or on social media. If you love us, make sure to leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. And if you have feedback or questions, you can email Amy at amy@lastnightsgame.com.